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Drug reference

loteprednol etabonate

Glucocorticoid · Anti-inflammatory; Immunomodulator

GlucocorticoidAnti-inflammatory; Immunomodulator
CDSCO approved
EXCRETION
not curated
INTERACTIONS
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
not curated

Mechanism

Not yet extracted

Indications

allergic conjunctivitiscyclitisgiant papillary conjunctivitisiritiskeratitisocular painpostoperative ocular inflammationuveitis

Side effects

Serious
  • posterior subcapsular cataracts
  • secondary infections
  • secondary open-angle glaucoma (reduced risk)

Drug interactions

Clarithromycin
Moderate
Database

Potential for increased systemic corticosteroid effects, such as adrenal suppression and increased intraocular pressure (IOP), particularly with prolonged or high-dose ocular use.

Monitor for signs of systemic corticosteroid effects and increased IOP. Use with caution, especially in patients with risk factors for systemic corticosteroid side effects. Consider an alternative if systemic effects are observed.

Itraconazole
Moderate
Database

Increased risk of systemic corticosteroid side effects, including adrenal suppression, Cushing's syndrome, and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), especially with prolonged or high-dose ocular administration.

Monitor patients for signs of systemic corticosteroid effects and increased IOP. Consider dose adjustment of loteprednol etabonate or an alternative if systemic effects are observed. Exercise caution, particularly in patients with pre-existing risk factors.

Ketoconazole
Moderate
Database

Potential for increased systemic corticosteroid effects, such as adrenal suppression, hyperglycemia, and increased intraocular pressure (IOP), particularly with prolonged or high-dose ocular use.

Monitor for signs of systemic corticosteroid effects and increased IOP. If systemic effects are noted, consider dose reduction or an alternative. Use with caution, especially in patients with risk factors for systemic corticosteroid side effects.

Oral Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone)
Moderate
Database

Increased risk of systemic corticosteroid side effects, including adrenal suppression, hyperglycemia, increased intraocular pressure (IOP), and other systemic effects, especially with prolonged or high-dose use of both agents.

Monitor patients closely for signs of systemic corticosteroid excess and increased IOP. If possible, avoid concomitant prolonged use of high-dose ocular loteprednol etabonate with systemic corticosteroids, especially in patients already at risk for corticosteroid side effects. Adjust doses as necessary.

Ritonavir
Moderate
Database

Increased systemic corticosteroid effects, including potential for Cushing's syndrome, adrenal suppression, and increased intraocular pressure (IOP) in susceptible individuals, especially with prolonged or high-dose ocular use.

Monitor patients for signs of systemic corticosteroid effects and increased IOP. Consider reducing the dose of loteprednol etabonate or using an alternative if systemic effects are observed. Use with caution, especially in patients with risk factors for systemic corticosteroid side effects.

Diltiazem
Mild
Database

Slightly increased potential for systemic corticosteroid effects, though clinically significant effects are unlikely with typical ocular dosing.

Generally, no specific management is required due to the low systemic absorption of loteprednol etabonate. However, monitor for unusual or exaggerated systemic corticosteroid effects if used concomitantly, especially in sensitive patients or with prolonged use.

Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (nsaids) (topical Ocular)
Mild
Database

Increased risk of corneal complications, including delayed healing, corneal thinning, and perforation, particularly in patients with pre-existing corneal disease or after ocular surgery.

Use with caution, especially in patients with compromised corneas. Monitor corneal integrity closely. If signs of corneal complications appear, discontinue one or both agents and manage appropriately.

Phenytoin
Mild
Database

Reduced systemic corticosteroid effects, which is generally not a concern for ocular loteprednol etabonate due to its low systemic absorption and local action. No significant impact on ocular efficacy is expected.

No specific management is required. This interaction is unlikely to be clinically significant for ocular loteprednol etabonate.

Rifampicin
Mild
Database

Reduced systemic corticosteroid effects, which is generally not a concern for ocular loteprednol etabonate due to its low systemic absorption and local action. No significant impact on ocular efficacy is expected.

No specific management is required. This interaction is unlikely to be clinically significant for ocular loteprednol etabonate.

Verapamil
Mild
Database

Slightly increased potential for systemic corticosteroid effects, but clinically significant effects are generally not expected with typical ocular dosing.

No specific management is usually needed. However, be vigilant for any unexpected systemic corticosteroid effects, particularly with prolonged use or in susceptible individuals.

Related guidelines

Other Glucocorticoid drugs

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Sources: Goodman & Gilman 14e·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team